Introduction
Recycling is a really important way of managing packaging waste but it also perpetuates the status quo of single use, where packaging containers are used just once before being treated as waste.
Sitting above Recycling in the waste hierarchy is reuse (or more accurately ‘preparation for reuse’) Packaging reuse can take many forms which fall into three broad categories
- Refill – a piece of packaging is refilled by the consumer either from a lightweight single use bulk pack or by taking it to a store to fill from a bulk container.
- Return – the packaging is returned once finished with, it is washed, refilled and the product sold to a different consumer.
- Repurpose or secondary use – an alternative use is found for a container.
The Brief
Design an engaging piece of packaging that is intended to be reused a number of times by refilling, returning or repurposing. You can choose packaging for any product and examples could be packaging for food, health and beauty products, household items or pet products. Use graphics and branding to communicate the message about how the packaging will be reused.
Points to consider
- Who is your target audience?
- How will you engage the consumer and communicate the message of reuse?
- How do you think the packaging will be reused? • How many times with the packaging be reused for its original purpose?
- Would the packaging be recyclable in household recycling once it can’t be reused any more?
- Could the graphics be adapted by the consumer to personalise the pack if it is to be refilled or repurposed?
Materials to be used
The packaging can be made from plastic, card, glass or metal.
Consider the weight and durability of the packaging, it needs to be able to survive being reused but not so heavy or strong that its environmental burden is too high.
Consider the ease of adaptability of the packaging for repurposing
Submission Details
Online registration must include upload of the developments boards and photographic evidence of the final model
The development boards (maximum of 4 boards) (uploaded as a single PDF document) need to include the following:
- A3 Research Board
- A3 Design Exploration Board
- Net of Recommended Design Solution
The photographic evidence should:
- Showcase the front, back and sides of the model
- Be shot against a white background, and in focus. These images will be used in the Starpack Award Book and may be used for additional promotion.
- A maximum of 4 images to be uploaded
- For students who are unable to supply a final model, 3D renderings and drawings are accepted.
Judging Criteria
What the judges are looking for:
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Originality and aesthetic qualities of the design, with consideration to commercial viability.
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How the pack delivers the benefits to consumers and that the functionality has been considered as much as the branding.
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The quality of portfolio, which must include evidence of research and the development of the design.
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Designs which demonstrate awareness of environmental issues, through economic use of the material and recyclability.
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Please also check out our past winners to see the standard of work required for winning entries.
Brief D Judges
Jude Allan
Keith Barnes
Sarah Greenwood BSc (Hons) MSc (Eng) FIMMM
Mike Swain BSc(Hons) FIMMM
Prize
Prize to school
£500 cash prize
Prize to student
£100 cash prize
Awards
Following rigorous judging, Gold, Silver, Bronze and Highly Commended certificates are awarded. All entrants receive a certificate of entry.
The sponsors have the right not to award a prize if they do not think the work put forward has reached the required standard.
About IOM3 Packaging Group
IOM3 Packaging Group is the technical community within IOM3 which focusses on packaging and the people working in the packaging sector.
We provide networking opportunities so people can share their knowledge and ideas, we support their personal development with packaging specific training and we put on events that help them to keep up to date with what is happening across the industry.
